Challenge Leagues

This concept if borrowed from Path Of Exile (and probably other games), where it is an EXTREMELY popular feature. The concept is to run a parallel instance of the game for a brief, set period of time (e.g., 3 months) where players race for prizes. This could happen periodically, perhaps once or twice a year. Participation would be voluntary; the Main Game would continue to run as normal.

The Basics

• Each League can have it's own new Achievements/Challenges, and/or existing Achievements can be scaled down. (e.g,. "Hoarder" = 5M instead of 50M, etc.)
  
• Prize categories are set up in tiers based on the number of Achievements completed. Thus everyone could potentially be rewarded, keeping it motivating for everyone, not just "the best".
• Additional prizes could be awarded for top achievers  (e.g., Highest Level, Most EKs, etc.) overall, and/or other (lesser?) prizes could be awarded to the highest ranked chars per town, per class (e.g., Mage (Light/Fire/Earth/Ice/Holy), Warr (Axe/SS/Fence/Hammer/Archery), or Specialty (Merien/Xelima).
• All characters start at the same Level with the same items. Typically this would be Level 1 with only a dagger and no-stat clothing, but any sort of variation on this could be introduced in any League.
• When the League ends, aspects of the challenge league could be merged back to the main game so players don't feel like they've "wasted" their time. This could include items, exp, EKs, Contribs, etc etc.
• Additional prizes could be awarded for top achievers (e.g., Highest Level, Most EKs, etc.) overall, and/or other (lesser?) prizes could be awarded to the highest ranked chars per town, per class (e.g., Mage (Light/Fire/Earth/Ice/Holy), Warr (Axe/SS/Fence/Hammer/Archery), or Specialty (Merien/Xelima).

The Benefits

• Players enjoy the challenge of showing off their expertise: Developing strategies, leveraging team-work, focusing on speed and efficiency -- these are the things that stimulate gamers.
• It keeps the game fresh for long-time players.
• It's a GREAT way to bring new players in. It gives them a chance to compete on an even playing field instead of leaving the starting line YEARS after many/most other players. This is especially beneficial in the area of PVP.  Newer players would have a legitimate chance of getting some EKs, which is very difficult to do in the main game.
• It provides a sandbox where new game concepts (e.g., new Talents, new Achievements, new items, new maps, rule changes, etc..) can be temporarily tried and/or stress-tested for consideration for addition into the main game.

The Prizes

Prizes would be awarded in the Main Game once a Leagues ends. Prizes could be anything that motivates players, but should not impact the Main Game too significantly. Some examples are:

• Cosmetic rewards such as special colored armor dyes, special cape designs, etc. 
• Fragile Items
• Guild Upgrade (e.g., Huntmaster + 1, etc.)
• Coins / Cash Shop Credits / Cash Shop Items (e.g., Talent-Change Ticket)
• Useful consumables such as Slates, Stones, Shard/Frags, etc.

The concept is extremely flexible. Each League could follow a basic pattern, or they could be very different from each other. This all depends on imagination and ambition of the developer. :)